Love is in the air... and the pressure for the perfect Valentine's Day date is high. Add the desire to keep your celebrations eco-friendly and keep the costs within budget while "wowing" your sweetie and you may just be tempted to crawl under the covers and skip the whole thing altogether.
Fret not, your Lifekind Cupids (that's us) have come up with a few ideas to make your Valentine's Day memorable and earth-friendly. There is no need to go out and buy expensive jewelry or electronics, or have roses shipped halfway across the globe with these tips that are sure to impress: 5. Make Memories Together Skip the standard "dinner & a movie" date and take your valentine out for a night on the town– get dressed up and go Salsa dancing (many places even host lessons on Valentine's Day) or wander around a local museum holding hands and enjoying each other's company. Don't feel like getting dressed up? Stay in and have a game night with your favorite take-out. Be sure to keep score, with the winner earning coupons for something fun like kisses or a back rub. 4. Give Flowers That Will Last A dozen cut roses isn't the only way to say "I love you". Remind your valentine you love them all year with a potted plant or flower. A beautiful orchid from a local nursery is sure to make her heart flutter. Feel like roses is the only way to go? Get a pot (or three) of mini roses that can be planted out in the garden for years of enjoyment. 3. Chocolate, Chocolate, Sweet Organic Chocolate
Some traditionalists will insist on a heart-shaped box of chocolates. In that case, get some delicious organic chocolates to woo your sweetie. I love Smith Organic Chocolates, especially their amazing Organic Fresh Raspberry Truffles. 2. Make Your Valentines by Hand
No need to depend on Hallmark for your heartfelt sentiments. Recycle pretty cardstock, paper doilies and fabric scraps you already have on hand to make your cards. Cut out hearts, glue on candies or buttons, and add a favorite poem. Seal the envelope with a kiss (use bright red lipstick!) and hand-deliver your one-of-a-kind message.
1. Go Treasure Hunting
Surprise your wife with a piece of vintage jewelry or a cut glass vase from an antique store. If your man already has everything, scour the shops for antique fishing lures, a unique pocket watch or something to hang in his man cave. Sometimes it just takes a little digging to find the perfect gift. Art, jewelry and clothing created by community artisans are often carried in locally-owned stores – and feel more special than a mass-produced bauble picked up at a chain store.